His Real Wedded Bride

Chapter 1187 Why Hasn't He Come Back Yet

Sheryl closed the door lightly and headed towards her bedroom to take a shower. When she walked

past the staircase, she heard Gary's voice from downstairs.

"Are Clark and Shirley in bed, Sher?"

Sheryl stopped and peeped down to find Gary standing near the stairs. "Yes, they are," Sheryl replied

instantly. "That's good. Are you busy now? If not, come downstairs. I have something to tell you," Gary

said and gazed at Sheryl waiting for a reply from her.

"I have nothing to do right now. I am coming," Sheryl agreed. She took the stairs to join Gary, who had

turned around by then and had started walking towards the living room. Sheryl was bewildered inside,

her mind clouded with umpteen unpleasant thoughts. As Gary summoned her like this, it made her all

the more speculative. She had no idea what Gary was going to announce. She climbed down the stairs

silently and thought in her mind, 'Perhaps Charles wants a divorce, but he doesn't know how to

mention this to me. So he begged Gary to discuss our divorce with me.'

The moment the thought of her divorce with Charles came to her mind, she felt an unbearable

heaviness in her heart. She felt like going numb in her head and she felt as if her feet were too heavy

to be lifted. Sweat started appearing on her forehead. Sheryl had an instant impulse to just run into her

room and lock herself. But she could not ignore Gary's command. Hence, she took a deep breath and

pulled herself up together and decided to face it bravely.

She joined the elders in the living room soon. "What's up, Grandpa?" she asked nervously as she

gazed at Gary's face. Gary looked solemn yet composed as he took his seat on the couch and made

himself comfortable.

"Nothing important. Have a seat, Sher. Stay, Melissa," Gary said in a casual manner. His voice was low

yet steady. Melissa and Sheryl took their respective seats in front of him and stared at his face trying to

guess what he was going to tell them.

"What is it, Dad? Please go ahead. I'm listening," Melissa asked him politely. She was an excellent

mother in front of Charles and an equally dutiful and respectful daughter-in-law to Gary.

Sheryl settled herself on the couch and gazed at Gary as she expected him to mention something

important. She and Melissa guessed what was on Gary's mind.

"It's not a big deal. I wanted to tell you that I am traveling abroad tomorrow. Perhaps I will come back

after a month or two. I am not sure how long my trip will last," Gary announced with a slight smile.

"You're going to travel abroad? Why did you never mention this before, Grandpa?" Sheryl asked with

gaping eyes. Gary's announcement took her by surprise. Sheryl couldn't believe that what the old man

declared had nothing to do with Charles. All this while, her mind was preoccupied with the thoughts of

Charles being involved with Rachel all over again.

Charles had not yet revealed anything to Sheryl. At least, now as Gary called her, she thought this

could put her anxious mind to rest. All the conflicting thoughts she had in her mind that rooted mainly

from not being properly informed would find an answer.

Gary's news wasn't a relief. Instead, she was more flustered. She felt like a prisoner who knew that she

would be sentenced to death but the judge just delayed declaring the punishment.

It was inexplicable fear and panic that flooded her. She stared at Gary pretending to listen to him while

inside her heart; she was falling apart bit by bit. She was tired. She needed an answer—a final answer

—with Charles or without Charles.

"I and a few of my old fellows agreed to go on a trip the other day. If I back out, they will be mad at me,"

Gary explained and gave a wide smile as he took notice of the surprised faces of the two women. He

referred to his best friends whom he had known for most of his life.

He looked forward to going on a trip with his old buddies. His face brightened up when he mentioned

the upcoming travel.

"I remember that you enjoyed hanging out with uncles when I was newly married to Charles' father. So

many years have passed, and you are still so much attached to each other just like before. In fact, to

tell you the truth, such long-lasting friendship that you have makes me envious at times," Melissa said

in an articulate manner recapitulating the memories of the earlier time.

Back then, Melissa was the hostess of Dream Garden and Gary's beloved son was still alive.

"Oh, yeah, I also feel lucky to have met them. I have known them all my life. Yet the joy of meeting

them and spending time with them leaves me invigorated and enthused every time," Gary echoed with

a peaceful look on his face. He couldn't control his joy and gratitude when he spoke about his old

friends. A sense of contentment spread over his face as he spoke.

Since he had taken charge of Shining Company, he had undergone troubles and setbacks in his house

as well as in his business. His friends had been the only place for him to fall back upon. Had it not been

for them, he might not be able to have gotten through all of that. Now he had handed his company to

his grandson, Charles. Yet, he still had those good friends keep him company.

"I think it's a good idea, Dad. I am sure it will be an extremely relaxing trip for you. It's not good to be

locked up at home all the time. Since you are not young anymore, you should look around the world. It

will be good for your health and will also keep your mind feeling fresh all the time," Melissa voiced her

opinion. She was extremely supportive of Gary's plan to go out on a trip for one month. However, it was

not merely out of filial piety.

She felt relieved to hear that Gary planned to stay out of Dream Garden for an entire month. This would

give her the space to execute her plans flawlessly and without any interruption.

If Gary stayed in the house, she would not be able to evade his eyes while taking forward her malicious

plans. His presence would make her feel awkward and besides, he might also interfere and make

things difficult for her. Secretly, she heaved a sigh of relief. However, on the face, she pretended to be

the supportive and extremely concerned daughter-in-law.

'Gary is taking a trip. It's good news for me. Without him around, I will not have any concerns when I

handle Sheryl, ' she thought.

"I just wanted to go out and get relaxed," Gary said in a casual manner maintaining the same contented

smile on his face.

"Have you booked your ticket, Grandpa?" Sheryl inquired. She spoke after a long stretch of silence.

She took a while to come out of her anxious mindset. Her mind was so much filled with all sorts of

uncalled for thoughts about her relationship with Charles, that it took a long time to process a piece of

absolutely unexpected information. However, now she could finally pull herself up.

She tried to shift her mind away from Charles' cheating.

"Yes. We have also reserved a hotel. Everything is sorted. There is nothing to worry," Gary replied. He

had gotten everything ready before breaking the news to the family.

"Would you like me to take you to the airport tomorrow morning, Grandpa?" Sheryl offered. Gary had Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

always been a source of solace and security for Sheryl ever since she had come to Dream Garden.

She felt a little unsettled to learn that Gary would not be there for an entire month. Yet she couldn't

meddle in Gary's decision. So she decided to see him off.

"Sure. You can drop me off. I and my friends have decided to meet at the airport." Gary accepted her

offer instantly.

"Don't forget to call us when you get there. Otherwise, we will be worried about you," Melissa urged

with feigned concern.

"Don't worry. It's not my first time to go abroad. I will take care of myself," Gary reassured them with a

laugh. Then he remained quiet for a moment and looked around the house with a frown on his face.

"How come Charles isn't back yet?" he asked Sheryl.

Gary was feeling relaxed after discussing his traveling plans with Melissa and Sheryl. Then he

suddenly felt that while the whole family was at home, Charles had not reached yet.

The very mention about Charles came as a slap in Sheryl's face. She didn't know how to reply. 'Where

is Charles? Is he on a date or in a meeting?

What should I say?' she struggled.

"Sher, Gary is speaking to you. Where is Charles? Why hasn't he come back yet?" Melissa took note of

Sheryl being quiet and reminded her, feigning to be nice.

Much contrary to the real situation, she sounded as if she and Sheryl had been very close. Whereas,

not only Charles, even Gary knew that they didn't like each other.

Despite that, Gary's facial expression didn't change. He stared at Sheryl with the confusion in her eyes.

He looked like as if he didn't see through Melissa's trick. All he wanted to know was when Charles

would come home.